For Purdue: Seniors Lewis Jackson (5-9, 11.8) and Ryne Smith (6-3, 12.4) and junior Kelsey Barlow (6-5, 9.6) at guard; and senior Robbie Hummel (6-8, 20.0) and sophomore Travis Carroll (6-9, 1.8) at forward.Inside the matchupThis is actually part of the Puerto Rico Tip-Off, despite being played in West Lafayette, Ind., a similar paradise. A strange NCAA rule allows for two teams from the same event to count the game as part of an exempt tournament if the game takes place within week of when the event began. Regardless of what happens tonight, WMU still finished eighth in San Juan and Purdue as the runner-up.

The Boilermaker’s Robbie Hummel looks completely recovered from two ACL tears. He’ll be the most difficult matchup the Broncos have seen yet. His size makes him too much for many small forwards, while his range and ability to drive the ball is difficult for most 4-men to defend. The Broncos are likely to try with Flenard Whitfield. Nate Hutcheson will be busy trying to deal with 6-5 wing Kelsey Barlow, who some think might be Purdue’s best player, though he struggled in Puerto Rico. Ryne Smith hit 8 of 15 3-point attempts in San Juan and WMU has shown a propensity for given up open shots from the perimeter.

But the biggest challenge tonight for the Broncos is likely to be Purdue’s ball pressure, which caused an embarrassing 62-point loss for Northern Illinois earlier this month. WMU hasn’t seen anything like it yet this year. The Broncos will have one advantage (and will against almost everyone): Matt Stainbrook in the post.

PredictionThat it’s Thanksgiving Eve might reduce the frenzy and numbers of the Mackey Arena student section. It won’t be enough for a Bronco team likely to be road weary and facing several unfavorable matchups. The season will get better. Just not in West Lafayette.